Methamphetamine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80324
Turnaround Time:
24 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube or Sterile Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect urine in plastic container and transfer to plain yellow top tube (without preservative).
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Methamphetamine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of methamphetamine or its metabolites in a patient's biological sample. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Methamphetamine include:
1. Toxicology Screening: Methamphetamine is a commonly abused drug with potential health risks and addictive properties. Methamphetamine with quantitative results is used for toxicology screening to confirm the presence and quantify the amount of methamphetamine or its metabolites in a patient's sample. It helps in identifying methamphetamine misuse, monitoring drug treatment progress, and assessing potential overdose situations.
2. Forensic Investigations: Methamphetamine plays a crucial role in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. It provides objective evidence of methamphetamine use or exposure, aiding law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and legal professionals in investigating drug-related incidents, conducting drug testing, and providing evidence in legal cases involving methamphetamine.
3. Workplace Drug Testing: Methamphetamine is utilized in workplace drug testing programs to ensure a drug-free environment and comply with occupational health and safety regulations. It helps identify employees who may be using methamphetamine, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
4. Clinical Management: Quantitative results from Methamphetamine assist healthcare providers in monitoring patients who are prescribed methamphetamine-based medications for legitimate medical conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. It allows for medication adherence monitoring, optimizing therapeutic outcomes, and ensuring appropriate dosing.
5. Research and Epidemiology: Quantitative Methamphetamine testing using LC/MS-MS contributes to research and epidemiological studies focused on understanding patterns of methamphetamine use, assessing drug trends, and evaluating the impact of methamphetamine on public health. Such data can inform policy decisions, preventive strategies, and public health interventions related to methamphetamine use.
Interpretation of the quantitative results of Methamphetamine should consider the patient's clinical context, drug history, and the specific methamphetamine concentrations detected. Monitoring methamphetamine levels helps ensure medication adherence, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and detect potential risks associated with its use.
In summary, Methamphetamine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for toxicology screening, forensic investigations, workplace drug testing, clinical management, and research purposes. It provides valuable information about the presence and concentration of methamphetamine or its metabolites, aiding healthcare providers, forensic experts, researchers, and legal professionals in various aspects related to methamphetamine use and exposure. Collaboration between laboratory professionals, healthcare providers, employers, and other relevant stakeholders is essential for accurate interpretation of the test results and appropriate patient care.